Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen tart cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 2/3 cup sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Toss cherries with flour to coat, then gently fold into the cream cheese mixture along with chopped pistachios.
- Pour filling over the baked crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the center is set and edges are lightly golden.
- Allow bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing and serving.
Notes
For best results, use fresh or frozen tart cherries to balance the sweetness. Chilling the bars overnight enhances flavor and texture. You can substitute pistachios with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Method: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg